Overview

The Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill aims to ensure that the needs of future generations are considered in UK government policy and public body actions. It establishes a new Commission and a Joint Parliamentary Committee to oversee this, requiring public bodies to set wellbeing objectives, conduct impact assessments, and report on their progress towards long-term sustainability.

Description

The bill introduces a "future generations principle," requiring public bodies to act in ways that meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. This involves:

• National Wellbeing Goals: A public consultation will establish national wellbeing goals, focusing on environmental, social, economic, and cultural wellbeing.
• Wellbeing Objectives for Public Bodies: Public bodies must set and publish their own wellbeing objectives aligned with the national goals, publish future generations impact assessments for policy changes, and report annually on their progress.
• Preventative Spending: Public bodies must report on and justify their preventative spending, aiming to address issues before they escalate.
• Futures and Forecasting Report: The Secretary of State must publish a report on long-term trends and risks affecting UK wellbeing, informing policy and planning for at least the next 25 years.
• Future Generations Commission: A new independent commission will monitor public bodies' actions, conduct reviews, make recommendations, and investigate non-compliance.
• Joint Committee on Future Generations: A parliamentary committee will scrutinise government action on long-term issues.
• Ministers for Future Generations: Existing ministers will be given added responsibilities to promote the future generations principle within their departments.
• Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) Extended Remit: The OBR's remit is expanded to include considerations of long-term wellbeing and the future generations principle.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify direct increases or decreases in overall government spending. However, it may indirectly affect spending through requirements for preventative spending and reporting on its effectiveness. The precise financial implications will depend on how public bodies respond to the new duties and recommendations.

Groups Affected

• Public bodies: Will be required to adopt new procedures for setting wellbeing objectives, conducting impact assessments, reporting on preventative spending, and responding to the Commission's recommendations. This could involve significant changes to their operations and resource allocation.
• Government departments: Will be directly affected by the establishment of Ministers for Future Generations and the requirements for reporting on wellbeing objectives and preventative spending.
• The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR): Will have an extended remit to incorporate long-term wellbeing and future generations considerations into its work.
• Parliament: Will be involved through the establishment of the Joint Committee on Future Generations, which will scrutinise legislation and report to Parliament.
• The public: Will have the opportunity to participate in the national conversation on wellbeing goals and will be able to submit complaints about public body actions to the Commission.
• Future Generations: The bill aims to protect their interests by ensuring long-term considerations are integrated into policy and decision-making.

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